Simple Safe Steps to Protect Your Home from Burglars
The nights are drawing in, and the days are getting ever shorter.
So, what’s on your mind as we head further into autumn?
Are you planning for Christmas?
Trying to keep your energy bills as low as possible?
Or do you welcome the shorter days as a chance to get nice and cosy in front of the telly?
But how many of us use this time of year to review our home’s security?
Burglary rates rise when the nights get longer and darkness provides natural cover.
With that in mind, here are some top tips from www.police.uk to improve your home’s security:
Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors
Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox
Install a visual burglar alarm
Install good outside lighting
Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition
Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage
Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property
Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property, i.e. trim high hedges
Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
Remove valuables from view of ground-floor windows
Store any high value items (e.g. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe.
We hope these tips give you and your family the peace of mind to enjoy the autumn and get ready for winter.